My Frame of Mind

These are my thoughts, however I may quote those who are smarter and wiser than I am.

Saturday, December 22, 2012


26 yrs ago and the Christmas Tree Story
I was 30 and pregnant with my daughter. It was 2 days before Christmas and we still didn’t have a tree. The rest of the house was already decorated and it was a depressing sight with no tree.
I had to have a nice crying jag to convince someone that I simply had to have a tree. Blaming it on the hormonal change, he went out for the day with buds and tied a good one on. 
I’ve never given in to treading lightly when someone has a hangover, but I made an extra special effort the next morning to vaccuum the entire house. Twice. Including ceilings, baseboards and furniture.

The next thing I knew we were flying/driving down Zline Road to the local family Christmas Tree Farm. I wasn’t quite sure where we were because the speed of the car was quite fast down that dirt road. It was 7 miles off the Main road. We arrived somehow in one piece and by the time I got my 8 month gestating girth out of the low-slung Camaro, I heard him say to the man, “that one”. Yeesh. But hey, I had my tree!

It was unceremoniously tied horizontally to the open trunk of the Camaro, and off we went flying/driving down the same dirt road. We hit the 7 mile mark to the main road and I hear, “oh, sh*t”. The car was pulled over and someone got out, slamming the door and walked to the back of the car. 
After a few more expletives, someone climbs back in the car, slams the  door and whips a U-turn heading back down the dirt road. Not saying anything for fear of our unborn child being harmed by any more foul language, I just held on to my tummy with one hand and the ceiling with the other. 
Low-slung Camaros on a dirt bumpy road and pregnant women do not fare well together, lemme tell ya.

Suddenly the car braked and someone climbed out, slamming the door again.  I wondered two things; one, if I could just take a quick pee on the empty road and two, how all this fast driving and door slamming was affecting a hangover. Couldn’t be good.
I looked in the side view mirror, and low and behold, there was my tree laying on the side of the road.

Again, it was unceremoniously tied back onto the open trunk and off we went flying/driving down that dirt road again. And 13 miles later made it home.

I don’t think the joy-ride car had come to a complete stop by the time I had unbuckled my seat and run in the house to pee. All this excitement getting my tree for sure!

The tree stand had been sitting in it’s blank area on the carpet for 2 weeks, so that was grabbed, tree secured in. When I was trying to decide which side was going to be the front, I quickly ascertained there was only one side of the tree. There was no back. Seems that the tree was dragged 4 of those 7 miles before it finally dropped out of the trunk. And that quickly explained why it would not quit tipping over.

A few more expletives, and a piece of particle board was secured to the tree stand for stability. Again I wondered how all the exsersion and hammering was affecting a hangover. But I had my tree, so hey!

There was still some leaning and tilting. A hook was nailed to the wall and fish line was now securing the top part of the tree to the hook.
Negotiating the lights around the fish line would be a challenge, but hey I had my tree!
Still some leaning and tilting, but I had to pee again, so I left someone to ponder the next step. When I came back there it stood with the naked back side facing the corner and straight up as an arrow.
I eyed the nails and hammer on the floor suspisously, but hey! I had my tree and it was now ready for decorating.

The Saturday after the holidays ended it was time to take down the decorations, and just like it was the last to go up, the tree was the last to take down and out to spend it’s last few days and what needles were left at the curb. I unscrewed the tree stand from the trunk, spread a sheet out on the carpet to use for dragging purposes and went to tilt the tree and let gravity do it’s thing and thought the tree would just drop on the sheet.
Wouldn’t budge. Oh, the fish line! So after cutting the fish line, again I though gravity would do it’s thing and “help”, but still no movement. 
Then I hear from the couch, “I’ll do it next commercial”. Awrighty then!
I didn’t understand why a hammer would be needed to take my tree down and out, but when I saw the the claw side being shoved under the plywood, it was like the brightness of the blinking lights flashing back to the last step to get the tree steady while I was in the bathroom.
All four corners of the plywood were secured with 4” penny nails.
Through the carpet and to the floor.

The next morning, this comic was in the Sunday paper.


Friday, December 14, 2012

Whoooo's The Mama?



Get yours today!
January is National Paper Crafting Month and to celebrate AND get a sneaky peek of new items in the Spring Idea book you can purchase this Kit for only $10. after a qualifying order of $35.00.
Don't forget that the Stamp of the Month is only $5. when you spend $50!
Head over to my website to make your list, check it twice…cause this will sell out at this price! Hey ! I rhymed! *snort*

Sorry no artwork…I'm remote posting while my favorite mac geek gets my pro back up to speed!

Friday, November 30, 2012

uhm…it's December? what?

Well, haven't I been the Bad Blogger?
No excuse other than the normal errs of my ways, other family member's health issues and work which does not have life balance!

It's almost the end of the year and that always means a retired list with Close To My Heart!
This is the perfect time of year to set up your Wish List for Santa!
Create a separate order and let Santa know where it is on my website! All they need to do is put a pretty bow on that huge box and slip it under the tree! Easy Peasy!

drum roll*
Item #Item DescriptionPage # 
Z1349Shimmer Designer Brads127
Z1360Rhinestone Designer Brads127
Z1361Brads Red Assortment 127
Z1362Brads Pink Assortment127
Z1363Brads Blue Assortment127
Z1364Brads Green Assortment127
Z1365Brads Basic Assortment127
Z1387Wooden Designer Buttons125
Z1391Buttons Clear Assortment125
Z1395Irresistibles™ Eclectic Chipboard Die-Cuts (the alphabet)130
Z1465Irresistibles™ Make-It-Count Numbers130
Z1681Dimensional Elements  Numbers 131
Z1761Dimensional Elements Ornaments131
Z1762Dimensional Elements Snowflakes131
Z1765Color-Ready Arbor Wooden Shapes130
X7147CStella Complements Canvas Shapes68
X7148CMy Stickease® Pemberley Assortment68
X7150CMy Stickease® Victory Assortment69
X7153CMy Stickease® Florentine Assortment69
X7158CLa Belle Vie My Stickease® Assortment38
X7160CFlirty Complements Dimensional Elements50
X7161CMoonlight Complements Dimensional Elements56
X7162CPear & Partridge Complements Glittery Rub-Ons62
Z1464Milepost Shapes128
Z1466Bling Assortment128
Z1695Urban Felt Alphabet 130
Z1696Keepsake Felt Alphabet 130
Z1709Just Blooms® Petals Paper Flowers129
Z1460Foundry® Ribbon Slides126
Z1711Foundry® Binder Clips126
Z1712Foundry® Number Plates 126
Z1461Décor Journaling Spots129
Z1687Bohemian Assortment 128
Z1689Timeless Charms128
Z1692Tough Tags128
Z1694Bouquet Assortment128
Z1741Haunted Assortment128
Z1749Autumn Lane Assortment 128
Z1763Boutique Assortment128
Z1772Dimensional Elements In Color—Holiday128
Z1393Mini-Medley Accents Black Collection 126
Z1316Designer Ribbon Cocoa Collection                                                                             
Z1385Designer Ribbon Blue Collection124
Z1615Designer Ribbon Red Collection124
Z1616Designer Ribbon Green Collection124
Z1388Newsprint Rub-Ons 130
Z1700Dark Chocolate Tapestry Velvet Rub-Ons126
Z1733Black Tapestry Velvet Rub-Ons126
Z1743Festive Velvet Rub-Ons 126
Z1742Parlor Velvet Rub-Ons126
Z14076" x 6" Olive Quick Pic™ Album122
Z14086" x 6" Pansy Purple Quick Pic™ Album122
Z1054My Creations® Display Album132
Z1378My Creations® Banner132
Z1614My Creations® Memory Game132
Z188Craft Jars120
Z13524 1/2" Colonial White Circle Cards123
Z13534 1/2" White Daisy Circle Cards123
Z1731My Originals® Sweet Surprises Card Kit123
X7147BMy Reflections® Stella Paper Packet68
X7148BMy Reflections® Pemberley Paper Packet68
X7150BMy Reflections® Victory Paper Packet69
X7153BMy Reflections® Florentine Paper Packet69
X7158BLa Belle Vie Paper Packet 38
X7160BFlirty Paper Packet50
X7161BMoonlight Paper Packet56
X7162BPear & Partridge Paper Packet62
Z1252Cutting Knife135
G1041Workshops on the Go® Avonlea Cardmaking Kit22
G1043Workshops on the Go® Pear & Partridge Cardmaking Kit66
G1040Workshops on the Go® Spellbound Cricut® Kit14
G1042Workshops on the Go® Scroll Album Kit23
G1044Workshops on the Go® Advent Calendar Kit67
G1045Workshops on the Go® Avonlea Scrapbooking Kit21
G1046Workshops on the Go® Clementine Scrapbooking Kit29
G1047Workshops on the Go® Dakota Scrapbooking Kit35
G1048Workshops on the Go® La Belle Vie Scrapbooking Kit 41
G1049Workshops on the Go® Scholastic Scrapbooking Kit47
G1050Workshops on the Go® Flirty Scrapbooking Kit53
G1051Workshops on the Go® Moonlight Scrapbooking Kit59
G1052Workshops on the Go® Pear & Partridge Scrapbooking Kit65
A1104A Tweet90A1111A Tulip68
A1116A Melody94
A1122Bravo92
A1128Quick Cards—Shell80
A1129A Rainbow85
B1365Spring Up71
B1369Rosy Regards67
B1374Bee Happy83
B1397He Is Risen74
B1402My Peeps72
C1439Enjoy Life95
C1440Take a Picture93
C1442Tailor-Made94
C1450Eclectic Edges99
C1452Delight71
C1455Aspire96
C1456Heartfelt Treasures68
C1457Happy Camper84
C1458Paper Lantern90
C1473Remarkable Wreath70
C147410 Things105
C1485Super Powers47
C1498Country Life82
C1499Perfect Day80
D1195The Works Alphabet117
D1222Tiny Typewriter Alphabet117
D1296Chocolate Alphabet Small114
D1301Hodge Podge Alphabet114
D1303Classmate Alphabet114
D1462Splendid Day77
D1464Card Chatter—Love106
D1467Trees & Things76
D1472Simple Memories66
D1478Bingo Alphabet113
D1505Roar!89
D1508Diverse Backgrounds102
D1509Magic Adventures78
D1511Kick Back81
E1013Field Trip Alphabet114

Don't forget to check out the While Supplies Last section on my website while you're getting those "have to have" retired items…and get the December Stamp of the Month for only $5!


sneakie peakie




Have fun shopping!

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Low Cal Tea Light Cakes

I wondered out on my Pinterest one night while have a bout with insomnia and found the cutest stankin' thing!

Combining a multi-colored tea light and CTMH papers and the new Artiste Cricut cartridge, I've been enjoying some low (ha!) NO cal treats and making a Baker's box to match!
It's simple really…grab up those battery tea lights. Cut a piece of B/T paper .50 x 4.75
wrap around the tea light. Punch matching B/T using our scalloped circle punch.
Fold in half, then in half again. Snip off the pointed end, lay across the top of the tea light with the flame going through the hole. Now decorate!
(keep in mind the switch has to be accessible on the bottom, so if you want a base to your cake, punch or cut a hole in the bottom)
The Baker's box is on page 69 using the Birthday Girl key. There are 3 pieces. I cut them at 2.5 inches. Don't forget all the great colors of Baker's Twine we now offer, too!
You can order your own Artiste Cricut Collection on my website

 The yellow flame made me think of Halloween…and you can't just have regular flowers on a Halloween treat, right?!


Want something nice but not too cute for the guy who lights up your life?







Thursday, August 16, 2012

September 2012: National Stamping Month


Check out the great ideas with the National Stamping Month exclusive offer..
We are celebrating by offering you this Double Darling Double Stamp set (value of $35.90) for only $5 with a $35 purchase (pre-shipping and tax. sorry Clearance items don't apply)






 And of course here is the August Stamp of the Month…don't forget:
if your order is at $50. (pre-shipping and tax) you'll be offered the chance to purchase for just $5.

Check it all out on my website 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Gift of Sight-Shades of CTMH

Sunday before last, I read this article in the Sacramento Bee about Connie's Crew.

The first words that smacked me in the face were Breast Cancer…then when I recovered from that, the next words to create a dew on my forehead was High School friends and then the sight that made my heart go pitter-patter was the youngest boy wearing glasses.

Now all of the above are things close to my heart. Most of you know I am a 12 year Survivor of Breast Cancer…some know that my support system and Venti (biggest) fans were my High School buds…and then of course, I am in the Vision world professionally.

We hear about Breast Cancer every.single.day. 1 in 8 women will be affected by invasive  Breast Cancer in her lifetime. I am not immune to the data or facts. I am emotionally touched by every person (not just women) who are affected. I can't do something for every single one…I go for the gusto and support those whose mission is to the find the cure.
Had a ever met her? Nope. Ever shared space in a Starbucks with her? Nope.
But sometimes….somethings….and one someone catches my heart and grabs it worse than a childbearing contraction. This article about this woman did just that.

I have an awesome employer that does awesome things Community based.
Yes, sometimes I don't have pleasant thoughts about the job per se, but you can't beat an employer that gives so much, whether disaster victims, local sports sponsorships, and scholarships, Wellness Clinics for Vets, Team Sponsorships for the SGKomen Race for the Cure, Walk for Diabetes, March of Dimes and more. Let's not forget Cake Day every month, and believe it or not Bonuses!

One thing new this year was H.E.L.P (Healthy Eye Laision Program) for the employees. We are each given one Gift Certificate to share with anyone…friend, family or stranger for an eye exam and glasses. Well…you guessed it. This was THE thing I could do for Connie and her family. Four of my Team Members when asked, didn't hesitate to volunteer theirs so that we could have a total of five.

This past Saturday night was the Benefit Concert and Silent Auction Fundraiser and I was honored and humbled to deliver these to Connie.

So I voluntold my Cricut machine to make some cute decor for each Gift Certificate

And I delivered them…in a Tu-Tu…as the Vision Fairy

Later I will share the reactions of those around me as I left a touch of glitter on everyone.




Wednesday, August 1, 2012

BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS! .

CTMH has done it again at our National Convention!
It's LIVE and in COLOR!
You can now view our fabulous Idea Book live HERE
The Idea Book has a new Idea Book inside…it's a two-fer!
Inspiration at an affordable price.

And of course the Cricut world has been turned upside down again by the release of our 2nd exclusive cartridge "Artiste"…and you will definitely feel like an artiste with all the creations you'll make with it!



You are Welcome Here!
The New Consultant Kit has what you need to start your business right, including a huge supply of Close To My Heart products, all for only $49. 
You may add more to your kit by purchasing the expanded kit, which includes everything in the $49 plus more tools, products, Studio J® layouts and the like for only $99. 
Whether you love creativity, community, business, or all three, you are welcome here!
Join us and discover all the rewards of being a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant.purchase the essentials kit for$49 and start your business.
Essentials
Master
Essentials
Everything to meet your crafting and career
needs. Approximately $130 retail value!

How much would you pay for a adorbs tote like this? Oh, about $75…and what? you could get it along with some crafty stuff for only $49? It's a win-win! Hobbyist are truly welcome here if you buy supplies anyways, why not enjoy the discount and be a part of the CTMH family!